Hello Dolly

Well, the production is over, and everyone has survived.  Kaylee is out right now with her cast mates and close friends, crying that it's over, eating cake and having a cast party at the church, and then likely an after party too.  I'm thinking they're going to be out super late tonight, because nobody wants this day to end.  She's going to be seriously bummed out for a few days after this.  She's put all her focus and energy and heart into this production.  Now that it's over, she has to ramp up towards the Spring program, and graduation, but really, to her, this was the Big Thing.  She was already crying when she came out after the show tonight, and so were a bunch of the other kids.  A big emotional let-down for them for it to be over.  Watching her up on stage is always fun, but this time she had a bigger role, and she just keeps growing up and looking like the woman she's about to become.  It makes me feel weird and sad and happy and proud to see a picture of the three of us, where Steve and I look kind of old, and she is the young, vibrant, beautiful...adult. 

Mom & Ernie made it up for the play, and our friend Sharon, and Cathy and Rania, too, all for Friday.  On Saturday, Ann and Steve and I came back, plus AE came out, and Michelle B, who brought her friend Sarah and Sarah's whole family.  Super cool and we appreciated everyone's support for the play!  I also saw Les Willis there, and Gary Pratt, some airport guys.  So neat to see everyone come out to see a production that looks like a professional production, coming out of a small high school in a town with a population of 2,396.  It's just...amazing.  The dance numbers are intricate and precise, the choreography is great, the costumes and set are professional and detailed, seriously, the whole thing is just fantastic.  It's worth your time to go to this even if you don't know anyone in it.  If you do, it's just even more fun.  :)

I have like 400 photos.  Seriously, 400.  Good luck to me figuring out which ones to post.  I've got a Looooot of good pictures.  ;)

For now, here are photos of us all afterwards.  Cathy took these, because both Steve and I forgot our phones on Friday, which I don't think has ever happened before.  Ha.

Here are some family photos.  :)

Steve, me, Kaylee, Mom (Patty), Ernie

A closer one, 3 generations.

Another three generations, other side!  Me, Steve, Ann, Kaylee

 

Me, Steve & Ann

This was her telling me to scoot my face in closer, like Steve did.  :D

Kaylee with her "beau" from the play, TJ (left), and her other friend Drew.

Ann, Kaylee & Sharon G

Kaylee with Grandma & Grandpa Chiles

Aunt Cathy, Rania & Kaylee

Steve, me, Ernie, Patty

Ann & Sharon

Mom & Daughter.  :)

Grandma & Granddaughter